Regional Director Water and Sanitation – Francophone Africa (m/f/d)

Fichtner; Stuttgart; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wide latitude and autonomy

Remote-friendly digital infrastructure

Induction, training, and long-term dev

Deutschlandticket subsidy and job bike

E-Gym Wellpass and in-house sports

Office canteen at Stuttgart HQ

Company car park with EV charging

Team events and parties

Flexible working hours

30 days vacation + flexitime

Job summary

Fichtner is seeking a senior regional lead to coordinate complex international projects in Francophone Africa, focusing on water supply and sanitation. You will manage contracts, resources, and finances, while representing the firm on site and coordinating regional offices.

The role includes business development, bid management, and occasional project leadership responsibilities, with regular international travel.

Qualifications

• University degree in Civil Engineering, Water Supply and Sanitation, Process/Environmental Technology, or a comparable field.
• At least 8 years of relevant international project business experience, ideally in Francophone Africa.
• Proven experience in managing complex infrastructure, water, or consulting projects.
• Full professional proficiency in German and French.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with leadership skills and client-facing confidence.
• Willingness to undertake regular international travel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project implementation in Francophone Africa with focus on water supply and sanitation.
• Oversee contract management, project resources, quality assurance, invoicing and finances.
• Act as main on-site point of contact and represent Fichtner in the region.
• Manage and supervise regional offices and facilities.
• Identify market opportunities, prepare technical/financial proposals, and manage expressions of interest.
• Provide technical project support or assume project management duties as needed.
• Regular business travel; potential expansion to additional regions over time.

Skills

German language

French language

Leadership

Project management

International business

Client management

Travel willingness

Education

Civil Engineering / Water Supply & Sanitation related degree

Job description

About Us

Since 1922, FICHTNER has been supporting exciting projects in the fields of energy, environment, renewable energies, water management, and consulting and IT as one of the leading independent engineering and consulting companies. In the Fichtner Group, you can expect a unique combination of a long-term oriented family business coupled with diversity, dynamism and flat hierarchies. We want to develop the infrastructure of tomorrow together with you and can offer you a wide range of development opportunities.

Your Tasks

• __Regional Responsibility:__ You coordinate project implementation in the Francophone countries of Africa, with a particular focus on water supply and sanitation
• __Project Coordination and Control:__ In close cooperation with local office managers and project leaders, you oversee contract management, project resources, quality assurance, invoicing and payment tracking, claims management, and project finances
• __Client Management and Representation:__ You act as the main point of contact for our clients on site and actively represent Fichtner in the region
• __Management of Regional offices:__ You supervise and manage our offices and facilities in the region
• __Business Development and Bid Management:__ You identify market opportunities and suitable cooperation partners, prepare technical and financial proposals, including prequalifications / Expressions of Interest (EoIs), and manage proposal follow-up
• __Project Support:__ When required, you provide technical support to projects or take on project management duties within or outside the region
• __Travel and Long-Term Perspective:__ You undertake regular business travel to the countries in the region; in the long term, taking on responsibility for additional or different regions is possible

Your Profile

• University degree in Civil Engineering, Water Supply and Sanitation, Process/Environmental Technology, or a comparable field of study
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in international project business, ideally with exposure to Francophone markets in Africa
• Proven experience in managing complex infrastructure, water, or consulting projects
• Full professional proficiency in German and French
• Entrepreneurial mindset, leadership skills, and confidence in dealing with clients, partners, and international stakeholders
• Willingness to undertake regular international travel to the countries in the region

Corporate Benefits

• Wide degree of latitude so you can work under your own responsibility
• Modern digital infrastructure enabling staff to work remotely
• Comprehensive and thorough induction, and continual, targeted training with long-term development opportunities
• Support for personal mobility through a Deutschlandticket subsidy, job bike leasing, and conveniently located Fichtner offices
• Wide range of sports activities through E-Gym Wellpass (Germany-wide) and in-house sports groups
• An office canteen with a choice of freshly prepared menus at our head office in Stuttgart, while staff at our branches or project offices are offered digital meal vouchers that they can spend as they wish
• Company car park and discounted charging of electric vehicles at our Stuttgart office
• Regular company get-togethers such as summer party, Christmas party and joint team activities
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of vacation and an attractive flexitime model for a better balance between work, leisure and family life